Plug Count

How many watts does an electric stove use?

Each electric stove burner uses about 1,200-3,100 watts: roughly 1,500 W for a 6-inch coil and 2,100 W for an 8-inch coil. A whole electric range is rated around 12,000 W at 240 V, though you rarely use it all at once.

Running watts
2,000 WTypical; 1,200–3,100 W across models
Starting watts
NoneNo motor surge
Per day
1 kWh1 h of use, cycling
Current
8.3 AAt 240 V while running

Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.

Watts by model and setting

Most electric stove models draw between 1,200 and 3,100 W while running; a typical one draws about 2,000 W. Per burner: about 2,000 W for 1 hour a day with the element cycling about half the time at medium settings = 1 kWh. A whole range (oven + all burners) is rated about 12 kW at 240 V but rarely draws that.

  • Burner size: small 6-inch elements are about 1,200-1,500 W; large and 'power boil' elements 2,100-3,100 W
  • Heat setting: the element switches on and off to hold medium and low settings
  • Number of burners and oven in use at once
  • Coil vs smooth radiant glass top use similar wattage; induction transfers heat more efficiently

Running an electric stove on backup power

This is a 240 V appliance. It needs a generator with a 240 V outlet or a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician; most portable power stations only supply 120 V.

  • A full range needs 240 V on a 40-50 A circuit; only large generators connected through a transfer switch can power it, never by backfeeding
  • A single 120 V plug-in hot plate or induction burner (up to about 1,800 W) is a better outage option for a power station
  • Use pure sine wave power for ranges with electronic controls
  • Run a gas generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents; carbon monoxide from generators kills. Connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords or a professionally installed transfer switch, never by backfeeding.

Add it to the generator calculator

Questions people ask

How many watts does an electric range use in total?

A typical 30-inch range is rated about 12 kW at 240 V (for example 12.1 kW on a GE model), but normal cooking with one or two burners uses 2-5 kW.

Can a portable generator run an electric stove?

One or two burners can run on a 240 V generator of roughly 5,000-7,500 W through a transfer switch; a 120 V-only generator cannot power a range.

Sources